TEST: Keeley Hydra

The pedal market is already a thing for itself. What used to come with the standard bread-and-butter effects in the form of a single effect, has nowadays already partly more functions than representatives of the 19-inch department just a few years ago. Among the double effect pedals is also the Keeley Hydra, which is presented to us for testing, which comes up with a combination of tremolo and reverb.

The concept of the Keeley Hydra

Corporate identity is gone, at least if you look around the boutique sector. In the past, giants like Boss or Ibanez had a strict guideline regarding the layout of the individual pedals, but today you are allowed to do whatever you like, or rather, whatever comes to mind visually. Such a partially heavy LSD-infused layout is spared us in the Keeley series, although the optical diversity of the pedals around the American Robert Keeley also includes several housing shapes.

At least one other pedal uses the same dimensions according to the Keeley website, whereby the Keeley Hydra probably takes the cake in terms of dual functions. Each of the 5 knobs on the top of the case has a primary and secondary function, which you can switch between by pressing the Color switch. Although this concept inevitably lacks a bit of clarity, this handling is ultimately a sensible implementation when it comes to maximum flexibility with minimal dimensions.

As in the amplifier sector, the maxim "use every square inch" has long since prevailed in the pedal sector, which on the one hand has led to the flood of mini pedals in recent years and on the other hand has brought more and more multiple pedals onto the scene. The combination of a modulation effect like the tremolo and a room effect like the reverb makes perfect sense, since both find their place in clean amps before the preamp and in the extended gain range in the serial FX loop, thus saving a pedal on your board.


The Temolo, a rare guest on the floorboard?

If you are wondering why the tremolo effect is significantly less represented in your selection in contrast to the great forerunners of modulation effects such as, e.g., chorus, flanger, and even phaser, you should consider its range of application. Apart from some extreme "flutter settings", where the effect is literally used as an effect, the tremolo effect only makes sense if it presents its modulation curve exactly in the tempo of the song being played, i.e. the tremolo effect sets the tempo and the drummer has to follow it, which entails a certain timing security of the drummer (Lars Ulrich is already ruled out ...) and a very good monitoring situation.

The construction of the Keeley Hydra

The Keeley Huydra pedal comes in a tasteful baby-blue solid metal case, which has a structure on the top, reminiscent of a WLAN field strength overkill. There are no rubber feet or similar anti-slip measures, the manufacturer assumes use on a floorboard. With a supply voltage of 9V and a power consumption of just 115 mA, which is downright ridiculous for a device of this series, any number of power supplies should be able to be found as a provider.

The fact that the Hydra pedal is not only designed for operation with a guitar is shown, among other things, the true stereo design, whereby the product can be operated in mono, mono-stereo and stereo-stereo modes if required. Two additional input jacks also allow for remote control via an expression pedal and external footswitches. The pedal, which is manufactured in the USA, is perfectly crafted and conveys a very high-quality impression with its massive switches and heavy-handed controls.

2 footswitches allow On / Off operation of the two effects, with the duration of activation having an effect on the operation. Holding the Temolo switch for longer than 1 second switches the unit to TAP mode, which allows it to match the song tempo. In addition, a flashing LED indicates the speed. If you practice the same procedure on the Reverb Switch, the current reverb tail is frozen, allowing for a seemingly endless reverb time. In addition to the You-Get-What-You-See setting, 3 more sounds can be stored internally and visually indicated with an LED.

In addition, Keeley also provides the options to modify the bypass operation according to one's preferred method of operation. You can choose between a buffer mode, a true bypass and also the kill bypass is possible, consumer heart, what more do you want.

A small mini-switch in the upper center field of the housing lets you choose between Sine (sine wave), Harmonic (harmonic wave) and Vibrato modes for the tremolo. The same applies to the reverb section, which offers a choice of Spring (spring reverb), Plate (plate reverb) and Room (room sound). Those who are already flapping their ears will probably finally hoist the white flag at the double functions of the five knobs. The following controls are possible.


Primary control:

- Rate: Controls the speed of the tremolo effect.

- Depth: Adjusts the depth of the volume reduction of the tremolo effect.

- Dwell: Controls the length of the reverb in the Reverb effect.

- Color: Adjusts the sound of the reverb.

- Mixer: Adjusts the mix ratio between dry and wet in the reverb section.


If you hold down the Color knob, you can access the secondary function of the knobs:

Trem Sync: Sets the stereo output of the tremolo to PAN (pan), Sync (sync) or Wet / Dry (effect On / Off).

Trem Level: Controls the output level of the tremolo.

Wet / Dry: Sets the stereo output of the reverb effect to either stereo reverb or wet / dry

Reverb Modifier: Modifies the reverb effect according to the selected mode. In Spring it controls the age of the spring, in Plate it controls the "shimmer" portion, and in Room it controls the room size.

The Keeley Hydra in practice

According to the extensive control possibilities, it is truly no surprise that the sound variety would be really very inadequately described with the adjective "extensive". The single effects in themselves are already very much exhausted in their possibilities, in their combination the possibilities are potentiated many times over, especially since the order of the effects can also be switched.

In general, each effect can be attested an excellent basic sound and that over the entire bandwidth. While large rooms are perceived tastefully as always very subjective by the listener, it is with the Hydra pedal especially the small rooms, which convince with a very great authenticity. The age of the springs in the spring range is also very well done for a digital emulation, the old springs slurp nicely diffuse out of the speaker and spread the so well known, latent muddy spring reverb of old vintage amps, mainly from Fender. The same applies to the shimmer effect in the plate reverb range, that overtone reverberation that is characteristic of a plate reverb, among other things. Very nice for experimental sounds and flat layer effects.

Remains to mention that the pedal for the quality offered with manufacturing in the U.S. calls up a comparatively very low retail price, especially if you plan to purchase two individual pedals in the form of a tremolo and a reverb pedal. Both effects can be tuned in the sum even partially better than two individual pedals and you also save a lot of space on the floorboard. No matter how hard you try, there is simply no point of criticism to be discovered about the pedal. Every area, starting with the haptics over the processing, respectively conception up to the sonic implementation is of the highest quality and can hardly be surpassed in any form.

Definitely one of the great highlights in the modulation / room effects area in recent years, unconditionally recommended!

Conclusion

With the Keeley Hydra pedal, the American company around Robert Keeley has a very hot iron in the fire. If you are looking for two effects in the form of tremolo and reverb, you would do well to put this pedal at the front of your research list.

The pedal convinces in every respect, be it processing, conception or sound and combines for a very moderate price with simultaneous production in the USA two effects in one housing, which convince both on their own, as well as in their combination with each other sonically across the entire range.

Definitely test once, it's worth it!

Additional informations:

Keeley Electronics stands as a prominent name in the realm of guitar effects pedals, renowned for its commitment to innovation, uncompromising quality, and superior tone. In this comprehensive review, we will explore the history, ethos, notable product offerings, and the impact of Keeley Pedals on the music industry, showcasing their contributions to the art of sonic craftsmanship.
History and Founding: Keeley Electronics was founded in 2001 by Robert Keeley, an accomplished guitarist and engineer with a passion for pushing the boundaries of guitar effects. Starting as a small operation out of a garage, the company quickly gained recognition for its dedication to producing high-quality effects pedals that catered to the needs of discerning musicians.

Commitment to Quality: From its inception, Keeley Electronics has focused on delivering exceptional build quality and attention to detail in each of their pedals. The company prides itself on using premium components, employing meticulous hand-wiring techniques, and conducting rigorous quality control measures to ensure that every pedal meets the highest standards of craftsmanship and reliability.

Innovation and Unique Features: Keeley Pedals have become synonymous with innovation, introducing groundbreaking features that have set new benchmarks in the industry. Some notable examples include:

a. Keeley Compressor: Keeley Electronics revolutionized the compressor pedal market with their highly regarded compressors, known for their studio-grade transparency, enhanced sustain, and versatility. Their "Blend" knob, found on many compressor models, allows players to dial in the perfect balance between their dry and compressed signal.

b. Keeley Mod Workstation: The Mod Workstation pedal exemplifies Keeley's dedication to versatility and creativity. This multi-effects unit combines various modulation effects, such as chorus, phaser, flanger, and rotary speaker, in one compact pedal, empowering guitarists with an extensive tonal palette.

c. Keeley D&M Drive: In collaboration with renowned guitarist Dan Steinhardt, Keeley Electronics introduced the D&M Drive, a dual overdrive and boost pedal that offers a wide range of tones, from smooth and transparent overdrive to saturated and dynamic boost, all in one compact enclosure.

Signature Pedals and Artist Collaborations: Keeley Electronics has collaborated with numerous renowned artists to develop signature pedals tailored to their unique tonal preferences. This partnership approach has resulted in the creation of pedals such as the Eddie Heinzelman Verb o Trem, the Robert Keeley DDR Drive Delay Reverb, and the Neutrino Envelope Filter, among others. These signature models reflect the expertise and tonal sensibilities of the artists they are designed for, adding a personal touch to Keeley's extensive lineup.

Noteworthy Pedal Offerings: Keeley Electronics offers an extensive range of effects pedals, catering to a wide array of playing styles and tonal preferences. Here are a few standout models:

a. Caverns Delay/Reverb: This pedal combines lush reverb with versatile delay, featuring intuitive controls and a cavernous ambient sound that adds depth and atmosphere to any guitar tone.

b. Dark Side Workstation: The Dark Side Workstation is a powerful multi-effects unit that emulates the iconic sounds of the legendary Pink Floyd. It integrates fuzz, modulation, and delay/reverb effects, allowing players to capture the essence of David Gilmour's iconic tones.

c. Red Dirt Overdrive: Keeley's Red Dirt Overdrive delivers a wide range of vintage and modern overdrive tones, from subtle grit to saturated distortion. Its flexible tone shaping options and dynamic response make it a favorite among guitarists seeking versatile overdrive capabilities.
Impact on the Music Industry: Keeley Electronics' relentless pursuit of sonic excellence and dedication to innovation have had a significant impact on the music industry. Their pedals have found their way onto the pedalboards of countless professionals, shaping the sound of iconic recordings and live performances across various genres. Keeley's commitment to quality, attention to detail, and inventive designs have set new standards for the guitar effects industry, inspiring other manufacturers and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of guitar tone.

Conclusion:
Keeley Electronics has established itself as a trailblazer in the world of guitar effects pedals, delivering superior craftsmanship, innovative features, and exceptional tone. With their commitment to quality, versatile offerings, and collaborations with renowned artists, Keeley Pedals continues to leave an indelible mark on the music industry, empowering guitarists worldwide with the tools to express their creativity and achieve their sonic aspirations.

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